Online fault adaptive control for efficient resource management in Advanced Life Support Systems

This article presents the design and implementation of a controller scheme for efficient resource management in Advanced Life Support Systems. In the proposed approach, a switching hybrid system model is used to represent the dynamics of the system components and their interactions. The operational specifications for the controller are represented by utility functions, and the corresponding resource management problem is formulated as a safety control problem. The controller is designed as a limited-horizon online supervisory controller that performs a limited forward search on the state-space of the system at each time step, and uses the utility functions to decide on the best action. The feasibility and accuracy of the online algorithm can be assessed at design time. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the scheme by running a set of experiments on the Reverse Osmosis (RO) subsystem of the Water Recovery System (WRS).     

Evaluation of the impact of various agricultural practices on nitrate leaching under the root zone of potato and sugar beet using the STICS soil-crop model

The quaternary aquifer of Vitoria-Gasteiz (Basque Country, Northern Spain) is characterised by a shallow water table mainly fed by drainage water, and thus constitutes a vulnerable zone in regards to nitrate pollution. Field studies were performed with a potato crop in 1993 and a sugar beet crop in 2002 to evaluate their impact on nitrate leaching. The overall predictive quality of the STICS soil-crop model was first evaluated using field data and then the model was used to analyze dynamically the impacts of different crop management practices on nitrate leaching. The model was evaluated (i) on soil nitrate concentrations at different depths and (ii) on crop yields. The simulated values proved to be in satisfactory agreement with measured values. Nitrate leaching was more pronounced with the potato crop than with the sugar beet experiment due to i) greater precipitation, ii) lower N uptake of the potato crop due to shallow root depth, and iii) a shorter period of growth. The potato experiment showed that excessive irrigation could significantly increase nitrate leaching by increasing both drainage and nitrate concentrations. The different levels of N-fertilization examined in the sugar beet study had no notable effects on nitrate leaching due to its high N uptake capacity. Complementary virtual experiments were carried out using the STICS model. Our study confirmed that in vulnerable zones agricultural practices must be adjusted, that is to say: 1) N-fertilizer should not be applied in autumn before winter crops; 2) crops with low N uptake capacity (e.g. potatoes) should be avoided or should be preceded and followed by nitrogen catch crops or cover crops; 3) the nitrate concentration of irrigation water should be taken into account in calculation of the N-fertilization rate, and 4) N-fertilization must be precisely adjusted in particular for potato crops.     

Constraints in cropping heavy-metal contaminated fluvial sediments

Growth and heavy-metal uptake of various food crops and grass cultivated on harbour dredge spoils were studied, and health aspects in consuming the marketable products were discussed.Vegetables (potato, carrot, radish, endive, lettuce) and grass (English ryegrass) performed well on dredge spoils, but small grains (wheat, barley) were affected by manganese deficiency. As compared with crops grown on uncontaminated reference soils, there was a net accumulation of As and heavy metals, especially so Cd, Zn and Cu, and a reduced uptake of Mn. Mainly because of the elevated Cd concentrations of the edible parts, exceeding the guideline of 0.1 mg/kg in fresh matter, the harbour dredge spoils investigated are considered unfit for the production of food crops, but may be used as grassland for dairy cattle. Highest Cd concentrations were attained in leafy vegetables and wheat (grain) and lowest in potato (tuber).     

智慧黄山景区决策支持系统研究

在分析黄山风景名胜区信息化建设成果及决策支持系统科学内涵的基础上,提出了构建“智慧黄山景区”决策支持系统(Smart Huangshan Famous Scenic Site Decision Support System,SHFSS-DSS)的概念.提出了构建SHFSS-DSS的总体目标;并重点探讨了SHFSS-DSS的总体框架和实现策略.最后分析了SHFSS-DSS的系统组成,包括基于各个业务应用系统的综合决策支持系统及针对景区各项业务工作的业务决策支持系统;并以景区资源保护决策支持系统为例,阐述了黄山景区业务决策支持系统的主要功能.     

Knowledge-based Decision Support System Quality Function Deployment (KBDSS-QFD) tool for assessment of building envelopes

A building design team has faced several decision-making problems when assessing building envelope materials and designs for a private high-rise residential building in the early design stage. This study developed an automated fuzzy Knowledge-based Decision Support System Quality Function Deployment (KBDSS-QFD) tool to facilitate the team to mitigate such problems. A case study of the design team comprising an architect, a civil and structural (C&S) engineer and a mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineer was selected as the research design of this study. Results from the qualitative data analysis showed that the tool has the potential to mitigate the decision-making problems. The contributions of using this automated tool include not only achieving better design management but also raising the level of productivity in the construction industry.     

高大模板支撑体系安全技术探讨

高大模板支撑工程是建筑工程的重要构成部分,高大支撑模板坍塌事故成为了困扰工程技术人员的一大问题,严重影响施工安全。通过对影响高大模板支撑工程中的安全因素进行分析。针对国内多发的高大模板施工安全问题,提出了确保高大支撑模板安全的对策,为提高高大模板支撑工程的安全性提供了有意义的指导。     

ALISS: Advanced Linear Scheduling System

The line of balance (LOB) method is not widely used in the construction industry even though it has distinct advantages in repetitive construction projects. Attempts were made in the past to develop LOB systems but no system has met with universal acceptance because of a multitude of problems. As a response, a tool named ALISS was developed that solves most of the problems associated with LOB applications. ALISS is an acronym for Advanced Linear Scheduling System and makes use of a model that utilises the tools of information technology to the fullest extent. This is accomplished by creating a system that has a standalone and a web‐based version. ALISS is programmed using Visual Basic and Visual Basic Script languages. It utilises MS Access and SQL server as a data repository. The resulting Advanced Linear Scheduling System not only accommodates all LOB requirements but also provides the latest technological developments as an embedded tool.     

安全生产保证体系在排管施工企业的实施

叙述了《施工现场安全保证体系》在燃气施工企业的推行过程,所起作用以及需完善之处,并列出了施工现场安全控制重点。对于安保体系的实际运用,探索现场安全管理之有效手段等具有总结、借鉴意义。     

Repertory grid technique in the development of Tacit-based Decision Support System (TDSS) for sustainable site layout planning

Site layout planning is a significant but relatively ignored work on construction site, which has been treated improperly as somewhat routine. It is known that the complex interrelationship of material, equipment, laborers, space, environment, assess road, surrounding buildings, and building types affect the productivity and efficiency of a construction process. This complexity was inhibiting the smooth flow of resources especially when many trade contractors were working simultaneously on site. The study aimed to extract a set of core factors in site planning focusing on the tacit knowledge acquisition process to develop a Tacit-based Decision Support System (TDSS). A combination of the repertory grid technique and open-structured interviews was conducted for the tacit knowledge acquisition process. Cluster analysis and repertory grid analysis on the extensive responses from a structured interview were conducted. A computer program entitled “TDSS” was developed as a flexible tool to assist both senior and junior site layout planning engineers.     

地理资源分析支持系统简介

地理资源分析支持系统 (GRASS)作为一个GIS软件 ,与传统GIS软件的开发模式与产业模式不同 ,但GRASS所具有的功能特点及其开发模式对于传统GIS是一个很大的挑战。为此 ,本文对GRASS从其结构、功能以及开发模式和产业模式方面加以介绍 ,文后对国产GIS的发展给出几点建议 ,供同行人士参考。     

AOSVR在地下厂房围岩变形预测中的应用

针对目前广泛使用的模糊系统和神经网络预测方法在地下结构围岩变形预测中的缺陷,提出一种精确在线支持向量机(AOSVR)并将其应用到水电站地下厂房开挖过程中顶拱围岩的变形预测.通过与其他预测方法的比较,可以发现精确在线支持向量机有很强的学习能力和很高的预测精度.     

从中关村（丰台）总部基地建设看总部办公发展趋势

作为“中国总部经济第一实践区”,“中关村（丰台）总部基地”的开发建设已取得初步成果。本文通过阐释总部办公缘起的宏观背景、总部基地的概念,解读中关村（丰台）总部基地的规划设计理念和手法,综合分析总部基地建设特点和成功必然性,进而探讨总部办公的发展趋势。     

Development of a site-specific ecological risk assessment for contaminated sites: part I. A multi-criteria based system for the selection of ecotoxicological tests and ecological observations

A two modules Decision Support System (DSS-ERAMANIA) was developed in order to support the site-specific Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) for contaminated sites. Within the first module, the TRIAD and the Weight of Evidence approaches were used to develop a site-specific Ecological Risk Assessment framework including three tires of investigation. Selected ecological observations and ecotoxicological tests were compared according to Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods and expert judgment, and the obtained ranking was used to identify a suitable set of tests, at each investigation tier, to be applied to the examined case study. A simplified application of the proposed methodology, implemented in the Module 1 of the DSS-ERA-MANIA, is described and discussed.     

Economical assessment of different HVAC systems for an operating room: Case study for different Turkish climate regions

In this study, the annual energy consumptions of four different heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems serving to operation rooms (ORs) located at five different cities (Izmir, Antalya, Istanbul, Ankara and, Erzurum) in Turkey are analyzed. The study is performed for four different HVAC systems: (a) 100% fresh air system (System I), (b) 100% fresh air with half air volume rate at night period (System II), (c) 100% fresh air with half air volume rate at night period and heat recovery unit (System III), (d) 50% fresh air with half air volume rate at night period and with heat recovery and mixing units (System IV). Life cycle cost (LCC) for 20 years life span is calculated for the considered systems. It is found that System IV considerably reduces energy consumption and it is economically proper for the considered cities. The rate of energy consumption and LCC reductions are greater for the cities with extreme climate condition having relatively low specific humidity ratio. Using System IV instead of System I reduces OR energy consumption by 74% for the city of Erzurum which has a cold and dry climate.     

Development of a site-specific Ecological Risk Assessment for contaminated sites: part II. A multi-criteria based system for the selection of bioavailability assessment tools

A comparison procedure based on Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and expert judgment was developed in order to allow the comparison of bioavailability tests to implement the chemical Line of Evidence (LoE) within a TRIAD based site-specific Ecological Risk Assessment framework including three tires of investigation. The proposed methodology was included in the Module 1 of the Decision Support System DSS-ERAMANIA and the obtained rank supported the selection of a suitable set of available tests to be applied to the case study. A simplified application of the proposed procedure is described and results obtained by the system software are discussed.     

Integrated risk assessment for WFD ecological status classification applied to Llobregat river basin (Spain). Part I-Fuzzy approach to aggregate biological indicators

Water Framework Directive (WFD) requirements and recommendations for Ecological Status (ES) classification of surface water bodies do not address all issues that Member States have to face in the implementation process, such as selection of appropriate stressor-specific environmental indicators, definition of class boundaries, aggregation of heterogeneous data and information and uncertainty evaluation. In this context the “One-Out, All-Out” (OOAO) principle is the suggested approach to lead the entire classification procedure and ensure conservative results. In order to support water managers in achieving a more comprehensive and realistic evaluation of ES, an Integrated Risk Assessment (IRA) methodology was developed. It is based on the Weight of Evidence approach and implements a Fuzzy Inference System in order to hierarchically aggregate a set of environmental indicators, which are grouped into five Lines of Evidence (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Ecotoxicology, Physico-chemistry and Hydromorphology). The whole IRA methodology has been implemented as an individual module into a freeware GIS (Geographic Information System)-based Decision Support System (DSS), named MODELKEY DSS. The paper focuses on the conceptual and mathematical procedure underlying the evaluation of the most complex Line of Evidence, i.e. Biology, which identifies the biological communities that are potentially at risk and the stressors that are most likely responsible for the observed alterations. The results obtained from testing the procedure through application of the MODELKEY DSS to the Llobregat case study are reported and discussed.     

A decision support system for water quality issues in the Manzanares River (Madrid, Spain)

The Manzanares River, located in Madrid (Spain), is the main water supplier of a highly populated region, and it also receives wastewater from the same area. The effluents of eight Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTPs) downstream of the river, which represent 90% of the flow in the middle and lower parts of the river, are the primary sources of water pollution. Although the situation has improved slightly in the last two years, the water in the river is highly polluted, making it uninhabitable for aquatic life. Water quality modelling is typically used to assess the effect of treatment improvements in water bodies. In this work, the GESCAL module of the Aquatool Decision Support System Shell was used to simulate water quality in the Manzanares River. GESCAL is appropriate for modelling in an integrated way water quality for whole water resources systems, including reservoirs and rivers. A model was built that simulates conductivity, phosphorous, carbonaceous organic matter, dissolved oxygen, organic nitrogen, ammonia, and nitrates. The period from October 2006 to September 2008 was selected for calibration due to the many treatment modifications that occurred during this time. An earlier and longer period, from October 2000 to September 2006, was used for validation. In addition, a daily model was used to analyse the robustness of the GESCAL model. Once the GESCAL model was validated, different scenarios were considered and simulated. First, different combinations of nutrient elimination among the different WWTPs were simulated, leading to the conclusion that investments have to focus on three of the proposed WWTPs. Moreover, these treatments will not be sufficient to maintain fish habitat conditions at all times. Additional measures, such as the increment of the flow in the river or oxygen injection, were simulated. Incrementing the flow of the Manzanares River has been shown to be an efficient means of increasing water quality, but this implies an increment in the risk of water scarcity situations in the Madrid water supply system.     

Habitation 2004 Conference abstracts, January 4-7, 2004, Orlando, FL

This issue contains abstracts from the Habitation 2004 Conference, held January 4-7, 2004. Abstracts are presented in four topic areas: Human Life Support; Human Factors and Ergonomics; Monitoring and Control; and Others, which includes the uses of plants in spacecraft, education programs, and spacecraft design issues.     

Evolutionary support vector machine inference system for construction management

Problems in construction management are complex, full of uncertainty, and vary based on site environment. Two tools, the fast messy genetic algorithms (fmGA) and support vector machine (SVM), have been successfully applied to solve various problems in construction management. Considering the characteristics and merits of each, this paper combines the two to propose an Evolutionary Support Vector Machine Inference Model (ESIM). In the ESIM, the SVM is primarily employed to address learning and curve fitting, while fmGA addresses optimization. This model was developed to achieve the fittest C and γ parameters with minimal prediction error. This research further integrates the developed ESIM with an object-oriented (OO) computer technique to create an Evolutionary Support Vector Machine Inference System (ESIS). Simulations conducted to demonstrate the robustness of the model in application indicate that ESIS may be used as a multifarious intelligent decision support system in decision-making to help solve a wide range of construction management problems.     

可持续的、生态友好的玛榭国际机构办公楼

文章通过对玛榭国际机构办公楼分析,展示了充分有效地利用可再生能源来构筑一个可持续的,生态友好的活动结构办公楼这一先进的营建理念。通过木制材料的特殊构造方式、太阳能、地热能的充分运用等强有力的技术手段。使整个建筑在能耗上自给自足并与自然环境和谐相处无污染。玛榭（Marche）大楼作为瑞士第一幢零能耗大厦引领着未来办公楼建筑发展所必备的两大品质尖端的技术和低廉的建设成本,使整个大楼显得秀外慧中,清“简”雅“智”。